STEM plus Arts = Learning Full STEAM ahead!

This year, through Write Your Story (WYS – pronounced “wise”), we brought STEAM to life for 668 young children and 307 educators across 11 early childhood partner sites in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. WYS provides a unique set of resources and services that boost learning while increasing an essential ingredient in daily life—JOY. While children engaged in creative, arts-based experiences that introduced foundational STEM concepts, WYS also worked systemically to strengthen the confidence, well-being, and capacity of the adults who support their learning.

In 41 early childhood classrooms, children explored rhythm patterns (math), cause and effect (science), and collaboration (engineering!)—all through music, movement, storytelling, and visual art. These sessions were co-designed with school partners to meet specific learning goals and classroom needs, whether that meant reinforcing early numeracy or building motor coordination.

One classroom teacher shared: “It’s captivating. The children are really engaged and excited to be hands-on—and then they’re so proud to see their work!”

At a center in Germantown, teaching artist and cognitive scientist Marsha Goodman-Wood used music to teach sequencing and literacy skills—laying the groundwork for both reading and coding logic. In Silver Spring, dance artist Kelly King guided children through physical storytelling that supported emotional regulation and spatial awareness—skills critical for science learning. At another partner site, visual artist Jamie Cowen helped young learners explore textures and materials, turning art-making into a hands-on science lab for ages 2–5.

WYS also included professional development sessions for educators—many eligible for training credit—and at-home learning support. This spring, we distributed 390 Art Kits, one for every child, family, and staff member, so the exploration could continue beyond the classroom.

While these moments may look like art class, they’re laying the groundwork for STEAM success—developing early numeracy, sequencing, pattern recognition, and collaborative problem-solving through joyful, embodied learning.

Thanks to your support, young children are discovering that STEM is not just academic—it’s playful, expressive, and already inside them.

Links:

• Write Your Story 2024-25 Video Overview:
• Weaving it All Together, Childhood Education Innovations